Join the Conference House Park Director for a winter recess family-friendly winter beach walk and explore the wintry landscape while learning about the park’s natural ecosystems through hands-on exploration. After the beach walk, join us for an arts and crafts workshop at the historic H.H. Biddle House to make cool coastal-inspired creations to take home. Materials provided.

Please arrive at the visitor center 15 minutes before the start of the walk to allow time for check-in. (Severe weather cancels).

Red-tailed hawks are the dominant raptors in NYC. The Urban Park Rangers will discuss the life cycles and habits of these spectacular urban predators. Binoculars will be distributed to better view these majestic animals.

Wildlife Olympics “events” mimic the movements of native animals as they engage in everyday activities such as searching for food, escaping from predators, communicating with each other, resting during the day, locating secure places to sleep, and prowling, hopping, spinning, swimming, or flying their way through life.

Did you know that worms have five pairs of hearts? This unique hands-on workshop introduces kids (aged five and older) to the life of red wiggler worms used for indoor composting. We’ll be helping you to set up your very own indoor compost bin during the workshop.

Pelham Bay is the largest park in New York City. Explore the areas where Native American settlements existed centuries before our great city existed. Walk through one of the most bio-diverse forests in NYC, including the majestic 450 year old "Granny Oak".

Kids go on an expressive arts journey inspired by times, current exhibition, season, language, literary works, and their own ideas. Children will be encouraged to discuss, plan, excite, inspire and support each other.

Schedule

February - Reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsc: Discuss and share thoughts
February - Recreate Short Written Piece Inspired by Love You Forever for a family member you love
February - Recite and Perform a Love You Forever piece. Children will write their own poem that expresses forever love

Visit Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House in the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory and leave winter behind as you dream of warmer places. Spend some time sketching and painting exotic desert dwellers and tropical inhabitants, then, using sand and vibrant tempera paint, make a desert or tropical mirage.

It is said that the Internet is making the world a smaller place, connecting people and places that were once hugely separated by many miles and mindsets. However, the world has been getting “smaller” for years — in large part due to immigration and the free flow of ideas that come with it.

Now on view at the Conference House Park visitor center and at the Biddle House in Conference House Park, this exhibit highlights narratives of important pioneers in the fields of maritime navigation and communication so people today can understand how our ancestors started making the world “smaller” slowly but surely over centuries by learning how to travel vast oceans. The exhibit also includes a selection of devices, navigational maps and prints from the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication (located in Rosebank, S.I.), devoted to preserving and displaying devices and equipment that were used over the years to navigate waters worldwide. This exhibit also includes a working model of a dry dock.

Visit Wave Hill’s Cactus and Succulent House in the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory and leave winter behind as you dream of warmer places. Spend some time sketching and painting exotic desert dwellers and tropical inhabitants, then, using sand and vibrant tempera paint, make a desert or tropical mirage.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play wheelchair basketball and know the rules inside and out? Well, here's your chance to learn from the best! Come out and scrimmage against other wheelchair basketball players from the NYC area.

Head to Chinatown in Manhattan to check out the annual Lunar New Year Parade for amazing visuals, delicious treats, and mesmerizing cultural performances. This party features all sorts of vendors, food, and festivities for all ages to welcome the Year of the Dog.

Babies and toddlers can come create, explore, and imagine through this fun-filled activity. The children will be creating their own worlds through art and play. Using recycled materials they can pretend they are in a rocket ship or driving a race car. The program is for children 0 - 5 years old. Guardians must stay with children for the program.

Kids go on an expressive arts journey inspired by times, current exhibition, season, language, literary works, and their own ideas. Children will be encouraged to discuss, plan, excite, inspire and support each other.

Schedule

January - Whimsical Winter Wonder on Cardboard

February - Reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsc: Discuss and share thoughts
February - Recreate Short Written Piece Inspired by Love You Forever for a family member you love
February - Recite and Perform a Love You Forever piece. Children will write their own poem that expresses forever love

Winter birds and returning migrators could use a little help right now with nests and food. Camouflage the boxy shape of an ordinary milk carton with pine boughs and leaves. Add seeds and an inviting stick perch to create a welcoming home.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes by introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

See decomposers under the microscope,meet our red wiggler worms, mix your own potting soil, sow some seeds, and roll wildflower seed balls! Take home what you make! This family-friendly day is all about compost—how it’s made and used. Find out why recycling food scraps and yard waste creates a more sustainable urban environment!

It is said that the Internet is making the world a smaller place, connecting people and places that were once hugely separated by many miles and mindsets. However, the world has been getting “smaller” for years — in large part due to immigration and the free flow of ideas that come with it.

Now on view at the Conference House Park visitor center and at the Biddle House in Conference House Park, this exhibit highlights narratives of important pioneers in the fields of maritime navigation and communication so people today can understand how our ancestors started making the world “smaller” slowly but surely over centuries by learning how to travel vast oceans. The exhibit also includes a selection of devices, navigational maps and prints from the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication (located in Rosebank, S.I.), devoted to preserving and displaying devices and equipment that were used over the years to navigate waters worldwide. This exhibit also includes a working model of a dry dock.

On the first weekend of each month, explore seasonal garden highlights with our knowledgeable staff on a tour from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Plus, every weekend from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., check out our activity table!

Have you ever wanted to meet an eagle owl? Pet a fox? Hold a red-tailed hawk? Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with live animals that are representative of Northern Manhattan Parks’ wildlife.

Join rehabilitator, Bobby Horvath, to meet some of our wildlife and learn about the work of Wildlife in Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation.

Winter birds and returning migrators could use a little help right now with nests and food. Camouflage the boxy shape of an ordinary milk carton with pine boughs and leaves. Add seeds and an inviting stick perch to create a welcoming home.

On the first weekend of each month, explore seasonal garden highlights with our knowledgeable staff on a tour from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Plus, every weekend from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., check out our activity table!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play wheelchair basketball and know the rules inside and out? Well, here's your chance to learn from the best! Come out and scrimmage against other wheelchair basketball players from the NYC area.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes by introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

This event will cover a variety of themes including basketball, street hockey, aerobics and much, much more.

Kids go on an expressive arts journey inspired by times, current exhibition, season, language, literary works, and their own ideas. Children will be encouraged to discuss, plan, excite, inspire and support each other.

Schedule

January - Whimsical Winter Wonder on Cardboard

February - Reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsc: Discuss and share thoughts
February - Recreate Short Written Piece Inspired by Love You Forever for a family member you love
February - Recite and Perform a Love You Forever piece. Children will write their own poem that expresses forever love

Notice the elegant and distinctive shapes of our local bird species. Working with simple templates or your own design, use large pieces of construction paper and tempera paint to make simple, bold, large-scale birdy monoprints.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes by introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

It is said that the Internet is making the world a smaller place, connecting people and places that were once hugely separated by many miles and mindsets. However, the world has been getting “smaller” for years — in large part due to immigration and the free flow of ideas that come with it.

Now on view at the Conference House Park visitor center and at the Biddle House in Conference House Park, this exhibit highlights narratives of important pioneers in the fields of maritime navigation and communication so people today can understand how our ancestors started making the world “smaller” slowly but surely over centuries by learning how to travel vast oceans. The exhibit also includes a selection of devices, navigational maps and prints from the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication (located in Rosebank, S.I.), devoted to preserving and displaying devices and equipment that were used over the years to navigate waters worldwide. This exhibit also includes a working model of a dry dock.

Learn about Chinese traditions of paper cutting. Make your own works to bring home and contribute to a collaborative paper installation at QBG. Teaching artist Emily Mock will guide participants to create paper cuts related to the leaves, plants, and flowers in QBG’s collections. This workshop will be led in both English and Mandarin. For adults and children ages 10+ (accompanied by participating adult).

Notice the elegant and distinctive shapes of our local bird species. Working with simple templates or your own design, use large pieces of construction paper and tempera paint to make simple, bold, large-scale birdy monoprints.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes by introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play wheelchair basketball and know the rules inside and out? Well, here's your chance to learn from the best! Come out and scrimmage against other wheelchair basketball players from the NYC area.

Kids go on an expressive arts journey inspired by times, current exhibition, season, language, literary works, and their own ideas. Children will be encouraged to discuss, plan, excite, inspire and support each other.

Schedule

January - Whimsical Winter Wonder on Cardboard

February - Reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsc: Discuss and share thoughts
February - Recreate Short Written Piece Inspired by Love You Forever for a family member you love
February - Recite and Perform a Love You Forever piece. Children will write their own poem that expresses forever love

Learn the Japanese art of paper marbling and dying in this easy workshop presented by Winter Workspace artist Austin Thomas. Lightly touch the surface of water with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to create fantastic geometric designs. You will marvel at these two ancient techniques.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes and introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

It is said that the Internet is making the world a smaller place, connecting people and places that were once hugely separated by many miles and mindsets. However, the world has been getting “smaller” for years — in large part due to immigration and the free flow of ideas that come with it.

Now on view at the Conference House Park visitor center and at the Biddle House in Conference House Park, this exhibit highlights narratives of important pioneers in the fields of maritime navigation and communication so people today can understand how our ancestors started making the world “smaller” slowly but surely over centuries by learning how to travel vast oceans. The exhibit also includes a selection of devices, navigational maps and prints from the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication (located in Rosebank, S.I.), devoted to preserving and displaying devices and equipment that were used over the years to navigate waters worldwide. This exhibit also includes a working model of a dry dock.

Learn the Japanese art of paper marbling and dying in this easy workshop presented by Winter Workspace artist Austin Thomas. Lightly touch the surface of water with a brush for a floating-ink effect, or fold ink-absorbent paper to create fantastic geometric designs. You will marvel at these two ancient techniques.

Join Allergic to Salad for a monthly series of vegetarian cooking classes for the whole family. Learn how to prep 15-minute meals, big batches of vegetables and pantry staples once a week to use in a number of different nutritious and easily adaptable weeknight courses. For all ages; children must be accompanied by participating adult.

Our Urban Park Ranger hiking guides will introduce you to the hidden gems of New York City. On our hikes, you may explore nature, discover our city’s urban forests, or just unplug form the world to clear your head.

On this family-friendly nature scavenger hunt with the Urban Park Rangers, we'll explore the hidden treasures of Blue Heron Park.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play wheelchair basketball and know the rules inside and out? Well, here's your chance to learn from the best! Come out and scrimmage against other wheelchair basketball players from the NYC area.

Kids go on an expressive arts journey inspired by times, current exhibition, season, language, literary works, and their own ideas. Children will be encouraged to discuss, plan, excite, inspire and support each other.

Schedule

January - Whimsical Winter Wonder on Cardboard

February - Reading of Love You Forever by Robert Munsc: Discuss and share thoughts
February - Recreate Short Written Piece Inspired by Love You Forever for a family member you love
February - Recite and Perform a Love You Forever piece. Children will write their own poem that expresses forever love

Take a look at the rock formations that make up the magnificent Palisades facing Wave Hill. Learn about the minerals that make up the soil, allowing for such spectacular natural artwork. Use plaster made from the mineral gypsum to create your own sculptural rock formation, or tint or color it to make a gem.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes and introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

This event will cover various themes including karate, volleyball, female mentoring, graffiti 101 and much, much more.

She’s on Point celebrates the achievements of female athletes and introducing young girls and boys to sports.

Through partnerships with local colleges and sports organizations, as well as the contributions of NYC Parks public programming staff, a variety of sports clinics and demonstrations take place, from traditional to alternative sports.

We also incorporate a speaking portion, where professional athletes and coaches are invited to talk about their pathways into a career in sports.

It is said that the Internet is making the world a smaller place, connecting people and places that were once hugely separated by many miles and mindsets. However, the world has been getting “smaller” for years — in large part due to immigration and the free flow of ideas that come with it.

Now on view at the Conference House Park visitor center and at the Biddle House in Conference House Park, this exhibit highlights narratives of important pioneers in the fields of maritime navigation and communication so people today can understand how our ancestors started making the world “smaller” slowly but surely over centuries by learning how to travel vast oceans. The exhibit also includes a selection of devices, navigational maps and prints from the Museum of Maritime Navigation and Communication (located in Rosebank, S.I.), devoted to preserving and displaying devices and equipment that were used over the years to navigate waters worldwide. This exhibit also includes a working model of a dry dock.

Take a look at the rock formations that make up the magnificent Palisades facing Wave Hill. Learn about the minerals that make up the soil, allowing for such spectacular natural artwork. Use plaster made from the mineral gypsum to create your own sculptural rock formation, or tint or color it to make a gem.

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play wheelchair basketball and know the rules inside and out? Well, here's your chance to learn from the best! Come out and scrimmage against other wheelchair basketball players from the NYC area.